Sky's Prince heads back to Europe

Sky guard Epiphanny Prince will play for Russia in the EuroBasket tournament after all.

Prince's status has been in doubt since she hurt an ankle during the Russian national team's exhibition game last Thursday in the Czech Republic. She returned to Chicago for an examination that diagnosed the injury as a grade-two sprain. Prince then was estimated to need about two weeks off, according to Sky coach Pokey Chatman.

Sky spokeswoman Stephanie Perleberg said in a Thursday email that Prince is on her way to meet the Russian team in France, where the tournament begins Saturday, "and is expected to play. . .as her ankle allows."

The top five teams in the tournament qualify for the 2014 World Championships.

Prince, the Sky's leading scorer, also plays in the Russian pro league. She obtained Russian citizenship in 2010. This is her first appearance with its national team.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native originally left to join the Russian team after the Sky's June 2 game and is expected to miss seven WNBA games. The Sky (4-1), which plays Sunday at Atlanta, is 1-1 in her absence so far.